Centuries have come and gone and yet we see history repeating itself. Instead of Queen Esther trying to save her people from certain decimation by the hand of evil Haman, we are witnessing the same murderous plot against the Jews yet during the Holocaust. For Such a Time is a 1944 holocaust retelling of the story of Queen Esther saving her people.
Hadassah Benjamin is saved from a firing squad only to be pressed into serving the enemy, a highly esteemed SS-Kommandant doing clerical work. Through her work and connections with a person in authority she quickly sets to work in trying small ways to make a difference for her people. She takes risks and learns to trust in God fearing no one not even death,"If I perish, I perish."
Though using Esther's story is a bit overplayed in the market, Kate Breslin was able to use that same story and weave it into her own unique tale. Her research was clearly evident as you could sadly, yet vividly picture life for the Jews during the holocaust. Her characters were also very well developed. Hadassah a.k.a
Stella was a hurt woman who throughout the book finds her way back to God. Though romance did occur between her and Aric it wasn't a love at first sight thing, but she took a more cautious deliberate approach. How different yet refreshing to see a Nazi SS Kommandant portrayed with human being kindheartedness. He understood the wrong occurring around him and willingly sacrificed his life for others.
I greatly enjoyed For Such a Time and if you love an emotional fictional yet historically rich WW2 novel this one is for you!
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.
Sounds good! I love reading so much.
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